Ingredients and Weight:
- Carrots: 500 grams (about 4 large carrots)
- Butter: 50 grams
- Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Freshly ground pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (optional)
- Chicken broth or water: 1 cup
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, and bring to a boil.
- Add the carrots, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Uncover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporate, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and season with freshly ground pepper (if using). Toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving (assuming no additional oil or salt during cooking)
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Dish Characteristics:
- The combination of vanilla and carrots creates a unique and sweet flavor that Americans often enjoy.
- The dish is both simple to make and visually appealing, with the carrots' natural color contrasting with the brown sugar glaze.
- It's a great way to introduce kids to the taste of carrots, as the vanilla makes them more enjoyable for younger palates.
User Comments:
- "The vanilla flavor was a pleasant surprise! My family loved this dish."
- "This is a great side dish for a special occasion. The caramelized carrots are a perfect match for the main course."
- "Easy to make and a wonderful blend of flavors. Definitely a keeper!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla flavorings may not yield the same results.
- Adjust the amount of pepper according to your preference. A little goes a long way, so be cautious when adding it.
- If you prefer your carrots with more sauce, increase the chicken broth or water by another ½ cup or so during cooking.
